2018 Chamber Committees

Ambassador / Membership Recruitment Committee: Charged with promoting goodwill throughout the community on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. One of the group’s primary responsibilities includes planning, conducting and reporting of ribbon cuttings and business anniversary celebrations. Committee members may also be called upon for volunteer labor at Chamber sponsored events such as membership meetings, luncheons, information booths, etc. Developing and implements all member recruitment and retention initiatives to include an annual membership drive and member / prospect surveys. The committee regularly reviews membership programs, services, and Chamber dues/investments. The goal for 2016 is to grow to and maintain 300 chamber members. The committee will also conduct three new member orientation programs throughout the year. Charged with reviewing current member benefits and demonstrating the value of Chamber membership to members and non members alike. The committee will also promote our Member to Member Discount programs, offer coupons or goodie bags for special events, sponsor speakers and offer Lunch & Learn Workshops.

Awards / Banquet Committee: Charged with planning the year end Chamber Awards Banquet. The committee will be responsible for selecting the location, the caterer, the entertainment, sponsorship and marketing of the event. The Committee is also responsible for promoting the annual Chamber Awards, which include Volunteer of the Year; Man of the Year; Woman of the Year; Business of the Year; Hall of Fame; etc. The committee will select the recipients and recognize each winner during the year end Awards Banquet.

Christmas Parade Committee: Charged with planning and conducting the 30th annual Twilight Christmas Parade to be held the first Saturday evening in December. The committee will promote the event throughout the community, receive applications for parade entries, line up the parade, oversee the awarding of prizes for winning floats, coordinate sponsorships, and select a grand marshal and judges.

Communications Committee: Charged with reviewing and updating the Chambers various communication/marketing tools. These will include the website, a social media presence, monthly newsletter, Berea magazine, relocation packets, city/county map, industrial development and retail packets, etc. Further develop the My Chamber, My Story public relations campaign. Work with other community groups / stakeholders to develop a community calendar.

Economic Development Committee: Meets monthly and may elect to form sub-committees within the group and meet more frequently in order to further the work of the Chamber. During the coming year, the committee will focus its efforts on industrial and retail recruitment, planning for a community center, an area technology center for Berea, tourism, transportation issues, and continued development of an entrepreneurial climate throughout our community. Additionally, the committee is responsible for an ongoing Shop Berea Campaign. The Economic Development Committee also works closely with the Public Affairs/Government Relations Committee on issues and projects. The committee is also charged with developing communications, networking opportunities and partnerships between the Chamber and Berea’s manufacturing sector. The committee will plan and conduct our industrial appreciation luncheon, coordinate various plant tours, coordinate roundtable meetings with plant managers and human resource managers, and address workforce development issues.

Executive Committee: Elected officers of the organization, who are charged with developing and monitoring the Chamber’s annual operating budget, overseeing the Chamber’s building fund and conducts reviews of the organizations bylaws. The committee may also develop, implement, and oversee fund raising strategies in an effort to expedite the growth of our building fund. The committee meets as monthly or as needed. Conducts two meetings per year of the Past Presidents Council, who serves in an advisory capacity to the Chamber’s president, Executive Director and the current Board of Directors. The committee also assists in our efforts to reach out to other Chambers.

Golf Scramble Planning Committee: Charged with planning and conducting the Chamber’s annual Golf Scramble, which may include a second event (Night Glow Golf Scramble or Wacky Golf Scramble). The committee will coordinate the food, prizes, sponsorship and marketing of the event(s).

Nominating Committee: Chaired by the President Elect of the organization and charged with presenting a slate of officers to our Board of Directors in October of each year. They also receive nominations for new Board members and prepare an election ballot to be used in the annual Chamber election of the Board of Directors in November.

Public Affairs / Government Relations Committee: Meets as needed and may elect to form sub-committees within the group and meet more frequently in order to further the work of the Chamber. The committee coordinates annual Legislative Briefings by our local legislators and interfaces with city, county and state government. Members of the committee make monthly presentations at City Council meetings providing Chamber Updates on our activities, projects and events. The Public Affairs/Government Relations Committee also works closely with the Economic Development Committee on issues and projects.

Scholarship Committee: Charged with preparing and disseminating a scholarship application form, reviewing and awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating student at Berea Community School and Madison Southern High School. The committee will also develop strategies for growing the scholarship program in the coming years.

Spoonbread Festival Steering Committee: Charged with planning and conducting this three day community event. The committee will coordinate the exhibits, competitive events, food, fun park activities, entertainment, sponsorship and marketing of the September event. In 2016, the emphasis will be on increasing the profitability of our signature event.